Night Watchman Simeon Coleman, 51, was shot and killed by a railroad worker who was creating a disturbance at a bawdy house.

A man had gotten on a westbound train instead of the southbound after drinking heavily at the depot in Monett. He realized his mistake and got off in Pierce City. He went directly to a saloon and purchased a quart of whiskey then went to a bawdy house. He forced his way in then pointed a gun in the face of a girl at Fannie McFarland's house of ill fame. Night Watchman Coleman responded to the house but was shot in the chest as he entered the front door. He was carried away but died a few minutes later. Marshal Chappel later shot and arrested the man who died from his wounds in the jail.

Watchman Coleman was survived by his wife, Sarah. Interred: Pierce City Cemetery.